New Traffic Tech Under Vermont Lawmakers' Review

Enhancing Traffic Enforcement in Burlington

The city of Burlington is exploring new ways to improve its traffic enforcement, with a focus on implementing license plate reader technology. This initiative is one of four key priorities outlined by Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and the city councilors for 2026. The goal is to address traffic violations more effectively while making better use of existing resources.

Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak emphasized that using license plate readers could be a more efficient approach than relying on police officers for low-level traffic stops. She explained that while these stops are necessary, they can be dangerous and take away from other critical duties.

"As we look at the city of Burlington, about the best, most effective use of our limited police officer headcount, it's not actually doing low-level traffic stops like when people run a spotlight or run a stop sign," she said. "But, it's still dangerous and it's still important that there be some level of accountability."

Addressing Traffic Safety Concerns

As part of Gov. Phil Scott's 14-point plan for Burlington, Shawn Burke, interim Burlington police chief, mentioned that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforcement team has been monitoring a specific road known for traffic issues. Route 127 has become a focal point during morning and evening commute hours.

"We have had the Department of Motor Vehicles enforcement team spending time on Route 127 during the morning and evening commute hours," Burke said. "Their enforcement data suggests that we do have a traffic safety problem there."

Burke noted that license plate reader technology could help, but he is seeking input from state lawmakers to address privacy concerns. He hopes that during the upcoming legislative session in January, all relevant committees will consider ways to safeguard the information collected.

Lessons from Previous Efforts

This isn't the first time lawmakers have considered similar technologies. Andrew Perchlik, a senator for Washington County and member of the transportation committee, shared insights about a previous pilot program. Instead of license plate readers, the program tested automatic traffic law enforcement in work zones.

"We approved this, and they had got some federal money to run it," Perchlik said. "However, the trial never launched due to logistical reasons, but at the time, even the ACLU testified in support."

Perchlik explained that automatic traffic law enforcement cameras differ from license plate readers in several ways:

• Only capture vehicles committing a traffic violation
• Not include the driver in the photo
• Send the photo to police to review and pull the license plate info
• Not store the images or share data

"If an officer can look at it right away, you can just have it deleted as soon as an officer looks at it," Perchlik said. He also mentioned that first-time offenders would likely receive a warning, followed by higher penalties for subsequent violations.

Proposing a Three-Year Pilot Program

Perchlik is advocating for a three-year pilot program to test the technology in different communities. If successful, he believes the program could be extended, provided it leads to safer roads and reduces the need for police involvement in traffic enforcement.

He also plans to introduce a bill allowing municipalities to participate in the pilot with a voter-approved charter change. This approach aims to ensure community support before implementation.

A Message of Accountability

If the proposed solutions are approved, Mulvaney-Stanak hopes they will send a clear message that Burlington holds individuals accountable for following traffic laws. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that drivers abide by the rules to create a safer environment for everyone.

Additional Resources

For more information on the new traffic enforcement technology being considered by Vermont lawmakers, additional details can be found through local news outlets. Residents can also stay updated on the latest news from Plattsburgh and Burlington, including weather reports and headline stories.